Moto X Review: an Android for the average Joe | Pocketnow

The Moto X is here to make Android cool - or at least accessible to the masses. With an experience-over-specs mentality and a comfortable, curvy, customizable design, it stands ready to change the face of Android forever. But does it have the power? Find out in our video review, then tune in for our full written review here: /2013/08/06/moto-x-review-android-for-average-joe
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Pocketnow has been a key source of mobile technology news and reviews since its establishment in 2000. With offices on three continents, Pocketnow offers round-the-clock coverage of the mobile technology landscape, from smartphones to tablets to wearables. We aim to be your number-one source for mobile tech news, reviews, comparisons, and commentary. If you love mobile as much as we do, be sure to subscribe!
Moto X Review: an Android for the average Joe | Pocketnow
• Moto X Review: an Andr...
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[@Billy-e9x]

Top 5 best tech reviewer in KZbin: 5=DetroitBORG 4=TechnoBuffalo 3=Austin Evans 2=Pocketnow 1=MKBHD

[@amme3394]

Some Reviews From TheVerge Are Good Too .

[@Billy-e9x]

Some?

[@amme3394]

Maybe 5th Or 4th ;)

[@Billy-e9x]

Haha, okay.... Wish the Moto X will sell internationally

[@rykerpercival8931]

I'd put MobileTechReview way above DB, maybe even technobuff

[@timothy5634]

I have a moto x, I got it two weeks ago and I must say I love it!!!!!! It has good battery life, a nice camera, a nice screen size, and is quick.

[@agoniavr]

I wouldn't say this is an Android for the average Joe. That's the Moto G, the Moto X advanced functions are above every other smartphone(S4/5, HTC One, Nexus 5 even iPhone: I'm looking at you). This is the only true "smart" phone in my opinion. That being said, nice review. I'm loving mine and after an year with a 1080p 5" phone(Oppo Find 5, which I loved size apart) going back to a model I can really use with one hand felt like coming back home after a long trip: you enjoy it but you still want to go back. With the G and the X they made two of the best phones in that price range(and even in general), period.

[@homeroortizgarcia395]

I just switched from this one to a 3rd gen moto g, and even when the g is a fine phone... damn, I miss my X. Best phone I've had. I'm considering to change the new g for a brand new original moto x if I can find one.

[@alexcordero9]

The Moto X is the best phone I've ever had--seriously (I've owned four). But I think that everyone's a little harsh on the camera. Although I'm not a professional photographer, I have a lot of experience in photography. I think you need to make it clear to folks that there are a lot of image processing tools built into the software of the Moto X that let you send out beautifully processed imagery. I find that even if I take photos with our high-end 35mm, I still have to tweak the images and it's no different on the Moto X. Besides, this is a 'cell phone', not a camera by design. I don't think that the image quality of the Moto's camera is enough to decrease its quality. All in all this was a nice review for a fantastic phone.

[@CarolinaCycloneJames]

I used to have a moto x all the way till 2017 and not once did it slow down over time. Even the battery life was still great. Easily my favorite phone, sadly a drop killed the screen but for it to go years without a case and being dropped a good many times it lived up to its rugged looks

[@Julianna.Domina]

A Moto X 2013 with updated specs, a better battery, a better camera and the promise of future updates (As Moto killed the 2013 X) would be the perfect device IMO.

[@brentbynoe7762]

agreed i wanted to buy one in 2015 but....

[@DanielVelazquez-hu4fv]

I used to have this phone too. still miss it...

[@yurikon5332]

Michael, could you please help and answer my technical question... will GSM UNLOCKED T-MOBILE MOTO X from Moto Maler work Europe's 3G/4G(LTE) networks? Would be most appreciated if you could spear me some of you precious time. P.S. Really love the format of your work, keep it up amd thanks!

[@yourbeat2739]

Already ordered mine yesterday and should be at my front 🚪 by Tuesday. So excited to get my hands on it! 4 of my friends own one and not one have a complaint about any of the features so far. Love the review by the way! Oh..... And for those interested in owning this phone as a prepaid phone instead through contract. Verizon is selling it right now for $200 unlimited talk and text. I'm Happy cause i hate contract phones due to me not being too committed at times. So having a prepaid option is awesome!

[@JustCallMeJustiin]

I appreciate the multiple outdoor location shots. Way better than 99% of others who stay in a 4 corner room.

[@jamiesomerville1897]

Great video Michael Are you filming your videos in a different place?

[@chavezchavo]

Thanks for the review. Whatever happened to that sound-proof room you usually record in?

[@JoeWithTheGlasses]

I plan on getting this phone, it's good for the average Joe I hear.

[@jml191]

What do you use to shoot these videos? I'm constantly impressed with the cinematography.

[@AlokSomani]

They really are some of the best. Whenever I see reviews from him, they are very objective and informative, with just the right opinions and remarks to help you interpret the information along the way.

[@GeorgeTengTV]

Michael Fisher is by far my favorite tech reviewer; nobody even comes close in terms of verbal delivery, actual writing, and just how cleanly he gets the message across. Thanks, Iron Man.

[@Pocketnow]

We're not going to trash our review unit just to demonstrate that the thing feels rugged. It's an illustration. A chuckle-worthy one, but an illustration nonetheless. ^MF

[@Unreelness]

Own this phone. On 4.4 it is really the most well rounded phone I've even owned. Huge Motorola fan. Awesome review.

[@MrSuperJokerFace]

the touchless control is way more useful than a notification light in my opinion.

[@Jtruthd]

Very thorough job mike. You should have your own column in a magazine or a newspaper. (Not to belittle what you are doing now). You just seem to have alot of potential. Thanks for the informative videos.

[@Rikearon]

Ok. The studio is a classic of your videos!

[@Pocketnow]

Actually, we just got this notice from Motorola today: "Moto X on Sprint, US Cellular and T-Mobile networks will have unlockable bootloaders, and we are offering a Verizon Wireless Developer Edition and a general North America Developer Edition. Each of our developer editions will be available on Motorola.com. You will need to go through a series of steps to unlock the bootloader on these developer editions and this process does void the phone’s warranty." ^MF

[@sourlikealime]

remembering this masterpiece of a phone in 2019

[@KaranDas]

really hope the nexus 4 get's that slow-mo feature in an eventual update,it's one of those things i really loved in my note 2 (touchwiz)

[@jtcrichton]

Having just watched videos from others I must say, you guys deliver some of the best review videos. Keep them coming!

[@BSDShoes]

The complaints about the camera is due to the camera app itself, it does take nice pictures and I noticed when using my magnifier app it's a significant improvement over an 8MP camera (the HTC One X). I took a picture of a quarter using the magnifier app on the MX and HOX, the quarter on the MX is much sharper.

[@aftermathsample305]

Google Now has since fixed all the issues you stated. Including the "Take me home" command

[@TheMasterOE]

Probably one of the most critical reviews and for that... I respect it!

[@MGazzo]

Can u take a pic while videoing? Would like to see the camera re-reviewed now with software update

[@claypool0]

finally a phone that mentions that teh size of the phone vs the screen size is a huge feature no other phone has.

[@hareias96]

What are the difference between the casper tek and verizon? help please.

[@dugusmc]

You are hands down the best reviewer I follow...I am so sorry I went ahead and got my Galaxy S4 (replaced my Motorola Electrify) in June from U.S. Cellular. Should have waited, as now I guess I am stuck for nearly two years!...Ouch.

[@sakthip1988]

When I saw the title I thought Joe Levi would be doing this review! Regardless, another well executed one from Mr.Fisher!

[@ColtonBlumhagen]

Mr. Fisher, where do I get that awesome wallpaper?

[@n3er0o]

This 'experience over specs/numbers' thing worked for the iPhone. Why won't it work with an android device?

[@GeorgeCaragea]

Please press gently on the lower back of your Moto X ( around the area where the phone is branded with operator logo). The polycarbonate will bend easily like there is nothing to sustain the backplate on the inside.Furthermore, when under pressure, it felt like the polycarbonate(in the same area) is gluing to a some sort of powerful scotch tape ( the green strong one).When released, the same noise as you would strip a powerful scotch tape from a hard surface. Could you please, check it?

[@claypool0]

This is by far the best review on the moto x. You can really feel that you spent a lot of time with the phone unlike other reviews.

[@Randomcharacters_]

Thought it was funny, when Michael said the phrase "OK, Google now" my moto x stopped the video and opened Google now lol

[@kindeep]

God!!!

[@matthewmills9446]

Illuminati confirmed

[@saadi703]

Your video title says all. Nice review and my feelings are same about this device.

[@Madrigalrose]

The My Motospeak app will read texts and allow vocal responses as well.

[@lorenzoreyguitar]

Awesome review, Michael Fisher is a great reviewer and a master in pronunciation...

[@unodemam]

Something wrong with the advert...stuck n hindered me from watching da actual vid

[@miker4all]

It's a phone first and a simple and snappy Android OS. It's something every phone out there should be like, and it offers much more such as the ability to connect your phone to your computer or tablet and continue texting and calling from your PC. I own it and I love it, and after benchmarking more than an S4, I am pretty sure I'll be happy with it for at least 18 months. It's still talking a while to get into more people's hands, but Motorola keeps making it even cooler with wooden backs and Sol Republic headsets to match. Very cool, very functional, very hip. maybe a bit too loud, but other than that it's all good. Unique, snappy, dependable phone for under $500. There's probably going to be another price cut in a few months, but I don't think they will be making a successor announcement anytime soon. If you love Google, go and get yourself a Moto X!

[@Undeadwolfy_]

Very very well done review. Thought I'd mention that as the depth of coverage was awesome. Great work pocketnow. Keep it up.

[@yinYangMountain]

Here is one major reason to maybe not get the Moto X: I've noticed numerous demo units, and some not very old and with no signs of abuse, suffering from 'AMOLED screen burn-in.' To observe this: Open a program allowing a completely solid white or light colored background; look at the areas between the on-screen menu buttons and below the top menu: this area will appear to have a discolored eggshell cast instead of white; the correct white color will be where the menus were. This is happening because the phone constantly lights the center while the menu areas remain black. This discoloration becomes progressively worse over the lifetime of the screen.

[@ReneNieuwenhuis]

Is the camera bad or is the firmware bad? Is it possible that a simple update makes it a great cam?

[@slantblant1]

My brother has always been a Motorola user since the Original droid. He has the maxx HD now. Ive always preferred HTC or Samsung. But this device actually makes me want to try Motorola out now.

[@Estefane87]

Amazing video quality, it seems to have auto-focus, is it correct?

[@VLADABEAST]

Upgrade is in November. At this point its between the Moto X, Note 3, and G2

[@Pocketnow]

Many thanks. Don't overthink review scores; it's the content, not the number, that matters. ^MF

[@JeremyChandler]

I've watched a few reviews for the moto x and, as usual, your's are second to none. Great job.

[@ShinyQuagsire]

Wow, you got to see one? I'm probably going to upgrade to the X in September, and I absolutely cannot wait to have a smartphone in purple and also without a case (I hate cases). At first I was a bit offed by it because of the specs, but I'm actually excited to get one for the features and customization. that's what we should be buying phones for, not specs.

[@Singinfeller]

There's going to be a camera software update which will fix the washed out color saturation problem sometime in September.

[@godwhomismike]

How does the camera compare to the iPhone 4S? I have an iPhone 4S, and strongly considering the Moto X.

[@LUSFNA48]

Yeah I believe the camera will be updated in a following ota.

[@DaveTrotterDave]

How does your camera review change with the software update?

[@tjoms182]

At 6.54 you can see that the lens is pretty scratched, maybe thats why it looks so fussy.

[@SudeeptoDutta]

Hello Michael, Do you know if Moto X will ever come to other countries ??

[@guruprasadkm]

Michael , how does the X's camera stack up against the nexus 4 ?

[@7neoxis1337]

How is the X's feel in hand compared to the HTC One?

[@Zipzeolocke]

I'm currently using the Moto X. I'm physically disabled, my hands don't function well, so I use Google now frequently. Do you have any suggestions of other phones that use voice recognition software efficiently? I need the most hands-free experience with all my technology

[@MrTheBarnie]

Did you try taking photos using the nexus camera app?

[@elliottmurphy3323]

Thanks guys for the vid. I found it very informative and useful. Keep up the good work, Thanks agin.

[@Ascendancy-]

but what about the call quality that literally everyone complains about on every phone site i've looked at? thats a major issue...

[@nathanielandrewjamescox3466]

Should I get this or a Samsung galaxy s5 prime

[@maxhowe4923]

can use this phone with any network? also can be used in the UK/if only one network?

[@blaine6673]

This guy give the BEST reviews PERIOD. If you want an expert opinion that is honest and balanced. Listen to him. Great review as usual.

[@mnguyea]

I don't find the under saturated images bad. From the video it looks pretty good detail and clarity. You can always add it with many of the post processing apps in the play store. Everyone is so use to these over. Colorize images. Majority of the people aimed for this phone gets and instagram filter anyways.

[@CollinL]

It just seems to me the Camera Color issue isn't the issue of the Camera like you seem to be implying, but this issue is that of displaying the images on other devices.. You said at about 9:50 that the colors of the pictures like vibrant on the Moto X's Screen but dull when you send it to friends. I would think that right there means the there displays are calibrated wrong, along with the fact the Pictures you showed looked quite colorful and true to life on my display.

[@DavidDmitar]

You guys are my favorite tech channel on youtube. :D

[@056mj7]

okay so witch one feels better in the hand , the moto x or the iphone 3gs,, that was the last iphone i used and since then i started using android phones and till now i just cant forget how grate that phone feels in the hand it just fits perfectly!

[@pitbikecrazyguy]

i think you can use moto maker to get your colors of choice and choose your carrier.

[@claypool0]

Ive also read that for tmobile you will have to buy it direct from motorola. So im not sure if motorola is selling a carrier unlocked version or just selling both an att locked and tmobile locked.

[@t3hCube]

I don't understand how a moto x is for the average joe. Functionality is everything.

[@Thrark]

Design and features are both quite nice, I wonder what the next generation might bring

[@RepublicMobile]

you got a good point point but remember the iphones processor is an A6 CPU which was produced by Samsung so it isnt that bad

[@Rikearon]

where is the old studio ????

[@bigTforreal]

Mike does a great job with his reviews

[@FreddieFuentes]

Now that I am a father having a great camera on my phone is a must. I went from my Lumia 920 to now using my HTC One, this phone looks like it can't even compare.

[@danielcwc]

2 things I love about this phone, battery life and the best phone call quality, which are both lacking in most other smart phones out in the market right now. It's time for phone manufacturers to understand that they are making cell phones and not just mobile mini PCs, and if a phone could not make great quality phone calls, then it's not a great phone no matter how good the camera/gpu/cpu is.

[@suhasa9772]

AndreCorner, totally agree with you..

[@bongobreathman]

Excellent review. Your delivery is perfect and content is professional.

[@dinonido]

still waiting for this to be released in Asian market, i dont mind if moto doesnt offer customization option for us as long as they released them here ASAP!

[@HenrySnopek]

pocketnowvideo, I noticed in the video battery saver was off. During the duration of usage was it always off? if so what is the full time of use with it on?

[@Beer_Dad1975]

Only real shortcoming on the Nexus 4 is the camera (it's not really terrible - I use it all the time and am happy enough with the results) and storage (again, not such an issue for me as I don't keep a load of stuff on my phone). Battery life is great now on 4.3, and you can easily install a firmware upgrade to get LTE.

[@fortythirty]

Sort of wished the notification light was still there.

[@JaruWID]

Should I get this white or black

[@ziich1]

The snapdragon s4 found in the moto x and the new nexus 7 are both based on the krait 300 architecture just like the snapdragon 600. How is the performance of the phone was there any stutter or lag while you used it?

[@Android4dwin]

Thanks for a good and fair review, I consider myself a spec geek, but this phone seems really nice. Sadly, I do not live in the States, any idea if this phone will come to the rest of the world? An unlocked version maybe? If this happens, will we receive the same customization? I mean, an electric blue phone?? That'd be awesome, I'm kinda tired of navy blue and black on my phones!

[@vcostor]

what do you use for a microphone?

[@Krispy416]

Michael has the best reviews very well done

[@078gregory]

Nice review, Michael. You doing great videos. Thanks.

[@chrisward3110]

How much screen time were your getting? Just out of curiosity haha

[@deathsmate100]

Not a bad phone but not really missing out on much here in the UK. Seems quite expensive over there in the US too though, definitely no nexus 4 killer.

[@ArnelZapataJr]

Man I thought the touchless controls were a cool idea at first, but guess it's not as polished as I imagined. Also, the camera performance is definitely a deal killer for me based on your review. Cya Moto.

[@the_sheff8375]

There might even be some in stores that you could likely get for free with a new contract.

[@Gt350_]

I have been waiting a long time for this phone. I currently have a Motorola Photon 1st gen, I wonder if they are going to use some kind of gorilla glass to keep it from breaking.

[@wanttotree]

do u think they will tweak the software side of the camera? i rly want this phone

[@XanVoon]

The "take me home" phrase works for my phone. But it won't work if I am already at home.. It just does a search. Perhaps that's the reason for that in the Vid.

[@JulianAcostaBuenosAires]

Seriously? HTC One mini beats Moto X in review score? I have to disagree with the final score, but that's my opinion. That said, love Michael's review. I really like how much enthusiasm he puts on every single video. He's probably the best of Pocketnow's crew.